Russell Wagner
courtesy photo
Russell Wagner
SAINT IGNATIUS — Russell Owen Wagner (Russ), 70, of Saint Ignatius, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, in the Benefis Health System Hospital in Great Falls, of COVID.
He was born on July 5, 1951, in Browning, the son of Keith (Bob) and Mary (Billie) Wagner. He attended high school in Hood River, Oregon, graduating in 1969. He learned to fly at an early age, as his father was a pilot and owned Agri-Aviation in Hood River. He worked for his father doing crop dusting and eventually ventured into other types of aviation. His last flying position was as an Air Ambulance Pilot for Guardian Flight and was based out of Ely, Nevada. Flying was his passion.
Russ was also a talented musician and played electric guitar and bass in rock bands, and also played for church groups.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Wagner, of Saint Ignatius; three children, Ryan Inslee of Stevenson, Washington, Matthew Wagner of Saint Ignatius, and Casey Wagner of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by one grandchild, Violet Wagner and one grandchild on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Mary Wagner, and his sister, Candace Chambers.
Russ was a Christian and loved the Lord. Please keep his family in your prayers as they grieve his loss.
